Columbus Socialite of the Week: NINA WEST

Happy Friday and Happy almost Halloween!

So what are you dressing up as for Halloween this year because I’m looking forward to seeing all the killer costumes this weekend out on the town.

Columbus really is a creative city and I’m sure I will be thinking “I wish I would have thought of that” as I see all of the great ideas this weekend!

I’ve decided to go as The Orbit Gum Girl..."Dirty mouth? Clean it up with Orbit Gum". My goal? Not getting anything on my all-white outfit and trying to perfect the accent. Maybe I’ll try for one out of two of those!

Speaking of costumes and Halloween, the 3rd Annual Highball Halloween is tomorrow in the Short North. Starting at 3 p.m., between 2nd and 4th Avenues, costume contests for kids, pets and adults will be part of the sensational festivities, along with the Costume Couture Fashion Show at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 after 6 p.m.

And whom you ask will host and oversee the much anticipated event of October? The one-and-only, drag performer and comedian from Columbus, Ohio...Nina West.

Nina, a former National Entertainer of the Year 2008, artist and graduate from Denison University’s theatre program has performed all over the nation. With her style of camp, comedy, performance art and political pop, she has shared the stage with notable names such as John Waters, Alec Mapa, Jennifer Holliday, Holly Madison and many Broadway companies including Wicked, The Lion King and Rent.

GETTING TO KNOW…NINA WEST
Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
NW: Honestly, my favorite thing to do in Columbus is perform. Columbus has the best drag fans anywhere in the country and I am lucky enough to be able to entertain the fabulous crowds of Columbus!!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
NW: I am a big fan of Union Cafe, Surly Girl Saloon, Tip Top Kitchen.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
NW: Junctionview Studios!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
NW: Bink Davies! Cute little knick knacks, adorable home accessories and fantastic gifts!

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
NW: The Short North is the best scene in the city - amazing shopping, fantastic nightlife and the creative epicenter of the city!

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:
NW: Honesty. Integrity. Kindness.

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
NW: The organizations I tend to do a lot of work for are the Columbus AIDS Task Force and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. I am also a big fan and supporter of Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
NW: Produce and star in a show on Broadway!!

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought for a show:
NW: A 12-foot long foam reindeer and sleigh costume I had made for our Christmas show last year! Um, it is massive!

Miss C.S. - Favorite venue to perform at:
NW: Axis Nightclub! You can catch my current Halloween show, HEELS OF HORROR there this Sunday, October 31st! Showtime 9 p.m.!

Miss C.S. - How long have you been performing as Nina West:
NW: For almost 10 years!

Miss C.S. - All time favorite moment:
NW: My all-time favorite moment so far was winning National Entertainer of the Year in 2008. It was really a dream come true.

Miss C.S. - As HighBall Halloween Emcee, what can attendees expect:
NW: Attendees should expect the unexpected! HighBall Halloween is all about the decadence of Halloween and the true spirit of the season, which really is about the creative and crazy! There is going to be an amazing couture fashion show at 8 p.m., a spooktacular costume contest and all of the craziness in between. Everyone should just expect to have fun!

Miss C.S. - What are you most looking forward to about Highball Halloween:
NW: To see what all of the costumes are going to look like! The city costume contest is by far the most exciting thing about this event! This city is so creative!!

Miss C.S. - Any sneak peek of an idea of what your attire will be at Highball:
NW: I will be donning a Michael Jackson inspired look for my last performance and I will be wearing a B-movie-inspired costume for the majority of the event!

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
NW: FABULOUS!

The very talented and entertaining performer is not only fabulous, but has also raised awareness and money for local and national charities. Over the past nine years, Nina has raised over $150,000 for organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS,the NOH8 Campaign, The Matthew Shepherd Foundation and the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

To see Nina West in action, catch her tomorrow at Highball Halloween. For a full schedule,visit www.highballhalloween.com. and for Halloween day/night fun, head to Axis nightclub for Nina’s “Heels of Horror” show at 9 p.m. on Sunday!

Spookily Eventing Off,
Miss C.S.

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, there is nothing more powerful than advocacy, desire and heart to fight this awful disease! One day soon, we will end breast cancer so that no one will have to loose another family member or friend.

It is my pleasure to be able to feature the Executive Director of the Columbus Affiliate, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as today’s Columbus Socialite of the Week.

With nine years of being the Executive Director and the only-full time staff member of the affiliate for the first six years, Katie Carter has gone above and beyond with her duties. She has helped grow its service area from 18 counties to 30, organized an annual Race for the Cure and increased its attendance from 16,000 participants to 50,396.

The Columbus Affiliate is now one of the top 5 Races in the country based on participation! WOW! Kudos to Katie! And from being a past participant over the last five years, this is always my favorite 5K that I look forward to each year. It is so powerful and emotional seeing everyone come together downtown in pink to support this cause.

Katie currently oversees four full-time and one part-time staff members, in addition to 14 Board of Directors. When Katie started as Executive Director, the income for Komen Columbus was around $800,000. The revenue for 2009 was $2.6 million, 75 percent of which stays in the service area of central and southeastern Ohio!

GETTING TO KNOW…KATIE CARTER

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
KC: The Columbus Zoo is my favorite thing to do. I have a four-year old son who loves going. There is always something new to see and experience.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
KC: There are so many great restaurants, but there is nothing better than a steak from Hyde Park and a Bellini from Bravo.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
KC: The great people of Central Ohio! I think we sometimes take for granted this wonderful, supportive and generous community.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
KC: Anywhere that has a sale – I love a good bargain.

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
KC: OSU Tailgating on Saturdays.

Miss C.S. - Best Band in Town:
KC: The Hot Pink Racers! They performed at the beginning of our Survivor Ceremony last year and really got people out of their seats and dancing.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Columbus team to root for:
KC: Buckeyes

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:
KC: Loyalty

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
KC: Of Course Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Columbus Affiliate

Miss C.S. – Your inspiration:
KC: My parents; as they have been such great roles models and have taught me such valuable life lessons.

Miss C.S. – What brought you to Komen Columbus:
KC: My Grandmother died of breast cancer and I have an aunt who is a 10-year survivor, plus many other friends and family who have been affected by breast cancer. It’s a terrible disease and it’s not just a job, but a mission to end breast cancer.

Miss C.S. – Favorite part of Komen Columbus:
KC: The incredible staff that I get to work with every day and the hundreds of volunteers that are passionate and so giving of their time and talents.

Miss C.S. – Number of volunteers at Race for the Cure Columbus:
KC: In 2010, we had 1,500 volunteers who helped with Race-related activities.

Miss C.S. – With being executive director and top coordinator, have you been able to walk and/or run in the Race?
KC: No, I haven’t been able to walk or run. I do get to see my favorite part of the Race, which is the finish line. I stand there and just absorb the emotional experience all of those survivors that cross that finish line. They are the true heroes of the day.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
KC: Passionate

Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Capital University in 1995 and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Ohio University in 2000. She lives in Westerville, Ohio, with her husband David and son, Grant.

From being on the Greater Columbus Events Council with Katie to dining with her at the YWCA Columbus’ dinners, it has been a true delight to have met Katie and continuing to get to know her. We also both played basketball at Capital University! She is a true inspiration and we’re lucky to have her in central Ohio.

Make sure to join Katie at next year’s Race for the Cure on May 14, 2011. Online registration will be open in November at www.komencolumbus.org.

Here’s to saving second base!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

High Fashion High Tea, anyone?

I’m a little delayed on getting event recaps on here as I just got back from a weekend full of fun in New York visiting my sister, brother-in-law, two nieces and nephew (and one more on the way!) as they just moved there from Atlanta. We had a great time and it’s always so much fun to see all of them! Shelley – You need to move to Ohio next!

During my stay, we went into the City and as always, it made my love for fashion even stronger. With large-scaled billboards at Time Square, windows decked out to a tee featuring the latest fashions and a breath of fast-paced life, it made me appreciate that Columbus is getting one step closer in creating a fashion Mecca, right here in our community.

Fashion Week Columbus, created by Dont’e Young and Thomas McClure along with a group of other talented individuals, kicked off FWC with an event, “High Fashion High Tea” presented by Mayor Michael B. Coleman and the Fashion Week Columbus Foundation on Saturday, October 9th.

It was held at the ever so trendy Black Olive Restaurant on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the Short North. And to the OSU Buckeye fans, yes, we did miss the game for fashion, but it was well worth it – tea with local fashionistas and the Buckeyes did get a win!

The event was inspired by the Berkeley of London’s take on afternoon fashion tea. With the room donned in floral, fashion and fabulous people, cakes, biscuits and macaroons were featured at each table, along with cheesecakes, pink strawberry chocolate strawberries and mini cupcakes. And don’t forget the signature pink stiletto martinis, champagne and of course, tea!



A silent auction was also in house with lavish items such as a grand spa package donated by the fabulous Charles Penzone salons, jewelry by local retailers, Macy’s and a few more!

This was truly a great way to kick off Fashion Week as I heard the finale show last Sunday went out with a bang! Congrats to all that were involved in the event logistics and I’m looking forward to next year!




Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

Congratulations Columbus. Fashion Week was born.

In its inaugural year, Fashion Week Columbus kicked off last Saturday with High Fashion High Tea presented by the Honorable Michael B. Coleman and we have the masterminds and co-founders Dont'e Young and Thomas McClure, along with their impressive board committee to thank.

Fashion Week has been filled with daily events at local boutiques, with the finale Show this Sunday at the Athletic Club of Columbus. Make sure you purchase your tickets at www.fashionweekcolumbus.com, as proceeds support the Stefanie Spielman Fund, Central Ohio Men Against Prostate Cancer (COMAPC) and the Fashion Week Columbus Foundation (FWCF).

Now let's get to know one of the co-founders and American businessman, Dont'e J. Young. As Founder and Proprietor for Young Enterprises, Inc. – an umbrella of companies focusing on luxury real estate, concierge public relations and viral affairs management and venture capitalism and a graduate from Dublin Scioto High School, Dont'e has always had a special spot for fashion in his heart. With a real estate background among many, many things, Dont'e founded GothamPR in 2008 which is based in Columbus, Philadelphia and New York, and has now co-founded Fashion Week Columbus.

GETTING TO KNOW...DONT'E YOUNG

Miss C.S. - What made you love fashion?
DY: I have always loved fashion. I come from a family and group of friends that embrace their sense of personal style and make no exceptions when it comes to their personal flare. Fashion attributes to how people view you, how society accepts you, and gives grave details and insight as where are you headed to in the future. This is why I LOVE FASHION!

Miss C.S. - First “trendiest” item purchased?
DY: The first “trendiest” item that I purchased was a traditional “Classic Burberry” scarf. It was a great sense of classic style but with a modern print, and I knew that it was a piece that would with stand time. To this day it is style, one of my favorite purchases and I enjoy pairing it with my classic cashmere trench coat.

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus?
DY: To go sailing at Alum Creek Dam or Hoover Reservoir. I love the feeling of being able to feel like you are skipping time and just to be able to enjoy taking in the sunset over the water and with a nice glass of wine is always the best way to enjoy the day.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City?
DY: This is a hard one for me because I enjoy so many different restaurants throughout the city, however if I had to pick one in particular; it would be BASI Italia. The food is absolutely amazing, the “secret garden” as I like to call it; is always a beautiful setting and it is always a memorable dining experience.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem?
DY: This is so funny because it is not so hidden, but I absolutely love the topiary gardens. I believe that it is a garden that we often forget about in the city, but is an absolutely wonderful place to take in an afternoon with a wonderful novel and snack basket as well.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store?
DY: While I believe in supporting many local boutiques and private labels throughout the Greater Columbus community, I would have to say that my favorite store would be Saks Fifth Avenue. What other place can you pick up a new Louis Vuitton Briefcase, the latest Gucci Fragrance, a new pair of Gucci Loafers and a new Armani Sports Blazer as well. Heaven I tell you, and if they do not have it in-house they can always order it in as well.

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City?
DY: Any wonderful garden party with friends, great wine, great food and great music of course. However, if we were speaking about best scenes in the City then I would have to go with Bar Eleven at the Cap. I enjoy the life of people that frequent that establishment and of course the hustle and bustle of the nightlife throughout the Short North as well.

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person?
DY: Their Heart. I believe that individuals have so much to give and offer towards each other, but if you do not have a kind and sincere heart; you can never truly relate to where somewhere is coming from and where they are trying to go in any certain situation.

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice?
CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. This is a very special foundation and organization that deals with children without parental guardianship that are within the legal system. I believe that whether you have children or not, you can always relate to a children that is in a time of need. Children should be just that, Children; so if you can lend your time or financial resources to help someone further along in life, then why wouldn’t you.

Miss C.S. - If you could do anything in the World, you would:
DY: Be a major Fashion Editor of a large Fashion Magazine or Design House, but would use my power and financial resources to be a philanthropist and major charitable organizer.

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought:
DY: Unfortunately, I have many which would fit this category, however I would say that the craziest thing that I have every bought would have to be more Porsche. While I loved my “baby” very much, it proved that my foot could just not resist the power which my “baby” possessed each time I would get behind the wheel; which resulted in many tickets and ultimately in me choosing to drive something that is a bit more sensible. However, “baby” and I had crazy fun times together that will always be remembered.

Miss C.S. - Hot Fall Trend:
DY: Military. I love the look of the formal military colors and they also lend themselves well in the fall and winter seasons, while infusing an element of structure and forward fashion movement for men. I believe that it is a good balance between trend and classic chic.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Designer:
DY: Tom Ford, from his shoes, to classic suits, and staple aviators, you can never look bad stepping out in Tom Ford, even if you tried too.

Miss C.S. - Inspiration behind Fashion Week Columbus?
DY: Fashion Week Columbus serves as an innovative platform to flaunt world class Fashion and promote industry Health & Awareness through local Columbus designers and talents. FWC10 will feature design collections, exhibitions, musical performances, exclusive galas,industry education, and of course...Celebrities. It was established to showcase the talents of local designers, models, and artists and to connect them with local and national marketers, buyers, and audiences. We foresee our efforts furthering the development of the Greater Columbus Community by increasing awareness of local talent and it helps promote economic growth and development in our diverse metro region. Fashion Week Columbus is also establishing itself as a 501©3 Non Profit Organization.

Miss C.S. - What can people expect during Fashion Week Columbus?
DY: A wonderful host of week long events to promote local Columbus designers and talents, along with supporting the local arts and fashion communities through our communities’ economic stimulation. My business partner and fellow co-founder, Thomas McClure and I have put a lot of work into putting together a traditional Fashion Week for Columbus and we believe our community will support the host of events, designers, artist, and members within the local fashion community.

Miss C.S. - What are you most looking forward to about FWC?
DY: The Finale Runway Show of course! Thomas, myself, and our board committee are so proud of the designers that have been selected for this 2010 season and we look forward to having them showcase their works in the first annual Fashion Week Columbus. What a great way to bring together all the wonderful artisans, fashion editors, the local fashion community, and charitable organizations to support the local Columbus community in such a landmark event as the Finale Runway Show for Fashion Week Columbus.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
DY: Influential

Dont'e currently resides in Columbus, Ohio and has no children. He is an avid traveler and lover of dogs. Dont'e also supports many foundations and is a board member to many non-profit organizations throughout Columbus and on a national level as well. We should be proud to have Dont'e in our community as he's making Columbus more fashionable one week at a time. I'm already looking forward to the 2nd year of FWC and the many more years to come.

Congrats Dont'e and your brilliant team!

Eventing off (in fashion),
Miss C.S.

Fashionable Safe Sex: Condom Couture 2010

What do you get when you have 900 condoms, a talented student designer and one great cause? One striking outfit in the 3rd Annual Condom Couture Fashion Runway show.

I had the pleasure of modeling for the 2nd year in this amazing event held at BOMA. With all proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, this show kicked off with a sponsorship reception while all of us “models” and designers were backstage prepping in make-up and hair and oohing and awing over all the designs created by students at the Columbus College of Art & Design.

The coordinators of this event did a superb job of organizing every detail, from what I saw from behind-the-scenes. But as my mom and sister were in attendance, it sounds like they did a fabulous job all around. Bravo!

Twelve designers created their garments from their fashion inspiration and I must say, all these designs were amazing. And to think these were all made out of condoms!

Here, are the top three winners that were voted on by the celebrity judges Nathalia Hudina of 614 Magazine, Dont’e Young, co-founder of Fashion Week Columbus and past Project Runway contestant Kelli Martin.

Third Place: Designer Michelle Watson and Model Deja



Second Place: Designer Rachel Kaplan & Model Ashley Curl (Rachel was the talented first place winner the past two years)


First Place: Designer Joelle Stallard & Model Maren Roth



A big congratulations to all the designers and best wishes as your futures will be filled with success. Thank you to all the sponsors, staff, volunteers and coordinators!

If you weren’t able to attend the event, you can catch the replay on Time Warner Cable’s Local On Demand Channel 411. Just click on the Arts and Lifestyle tab and select Condom Couture!

Enjoy!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Thank you CYP Club!!

Thank you to the wonderful organization -- The Columbus Young Professionals Club for the announcement in today's eblast and on your website!

Columbus Young Professionals Club | CYP CLUB Articles & Current News

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

Last night’s Condom Couture event put on by Planned Parenthood in partnership with Columbus College Art and Design was a complete hit. As mentioned last week, I’ll save the details and photos for a blog next week, but let’s just say one of the models rocked it in a condom bathing suit! And that model who’s worked for Experience Columbus for more than four years will be experiencing all the City has to offer during Experience Columbus Days starting today through Monday.

A girl who was born in Japan until she was five, before moving to Chicago and then to Hilliard, is always experiencing and taking advantage of Columbus’ offers as well as making a difference. She worked for Habitat for Humanity in Boston, taught English in Japan and now currently serves on the Board of the Columbus Chapter of the International Special Events Society as well as being a member of the Columbus Young Professionals Club and working part-time at Premier, taking care of children while their parents work out.

She has wit, charisma and charm and definitely knows everything about this City. So, today’s Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week is the one and only Sayaka Sekiguchi.

GETTING TO KNOW…SAYAKA SEKIGUCHI
Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
SS: Wind down from a busy day at work at a Happy Hour with friends and co-workers. I’m going to miss sipping on wine out on the patio now that it’s fall.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
SS: Wow, there are so many places that I adore. But the one thing I’ve been craving lately is the chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot. Yum!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
SS: Lindey’s. It’s classy and there’s usually an older crowd there, but their happy hour menu is fantastic. Great price and great tasting food. Their blueberry pomegranate martini = delicious!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Word:
SS: Live life. I love trying new things and living life to the fullest; some days are easier than others though.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
SS: New York and Company. I am a sucker for the numerous coupons I get from them.

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
SS: I still think the best area to party is Park Street. I love being able to bar hop and enjoy different atmospheres, depending on your mood.

Miss C.S. - Best Band in Town:
SS: O.A.R. We worked with them to create a video for the easyColumbus program to retain talented college students in Columbus after graduation and I always get the Road Outside Columbus song stuck in my head!

Miss C.S. - Favorite Columbus team to root for:
SS: OSU, Blue Jackets, Crew, Clippers - Love them all! Nothing beats watching a game with a hot dog in one hand and beer in the other.

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:
SS: Humor and a kind heart.

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
SS: Habitat for Humanity. I got heavily involved while attending Bowling Green State University and it was my first job out of college. I’ve built homes in Ohio, Mississippi, Massachusetts and Ethiopia.

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
SS: Travel around the world and try new things.

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought:
SS: Almost all of my friends are married so you can imagine all the crazy things I’ve bought for my girlfriends for their Bachelorette parties!

Miss C.S. - Best view of the city:
SS: I still remember the beautiful view from Confluence Park at my best friends wedding. Beautiful!

Miss C.S. - Where do you tell an out-of-towner to go:
SS: I always tell them to hit up the Short North and the Arena District area. And if they want a tour of downtown, I recommend that they do a SegAway Tour. You learn bits and pieces of the Columbus history and it’s so much fun! It’s also part of the Experience Columbus Days promotion!

Miss C.S. - One place you will definitely be hitting up during Experience Columbus Days:
SS: I’ve already got my tickets for the Taco Truck Tour through Columbus Food Adventures. You ride in a 14-passenger van and hit up several taco trucks. I’m SO pumped! I’ll also be hitting up the Italian Festival to see the World’s Largest Meatball and I have to decide which Dine Originals restaurant to go to!

Miss C.S. - While working at EC, most common question asked:
SS: “Any recommendations on what to do this weekend?”- There are always so many things to do that I can’t name them all! I always refer people to our website, www.ExperienceColumbus.com.

Miss C.S. - Strangest request while working at EC:
SS: I had someone ask for a reindeer with antlers for their event. Not every day that you get a request like that!

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
SS: Charismatic!

Sayaka is a gem to us all. She thrives to challenge herself and certainly did when she climbed Mt. Fuji, participated in a 185-mile charity bike ride from Cincinnati to Bowling Green and went skydiving!! She is the girl you need to know and who knows everything about the wonderful City we live in. She is talented, smart, beautiful and so funny. She loves reality TV and hopes to one day be on Real Housewives of Columbus.

So for the gal that IS Columbus, make sure you experience everything she has by enjoying 50% off attractions and 25% off of dining at some of the coolest spots Columbus has to offer during Experience Columbus Days.

Have a great weekend!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Legally Blonde takes over Columbus

“Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed,” and so were you if you missed the ever-so-chic Legally Blonde The Musical last week in Columbus.

Held at the Palace theatre with viewers of all ages, everyone seemed quite impressed with the blonde in pink, Woods (comma) Elle, and the other talented actors.

As I’m sure you have all seen the movie and so have I, multiple times I will admit, I was very ecstatic to see the musical.

I did wonder how they would pull it all off…Warner, the Harvard video entry, the infamous bunny costume, the bend and snap and of course the ever-so-cute Bruiser. I must say, this little guy played by "Frankie" and "Chico" even had pink nails and was very well-behaved on stage.

But, the Musical was a success with energy and pink pizzazz and they did cover it all. From the UCLA Delta Nu Sorority House to Harvard, to the courtroom to Graduation, the blonde socialite from California was able to graduate top of her class at Harvard Law and fall in love with her professor’s assistant.

So, I guess you can have it all; you just have to “Bend……and Snap!”

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.

Fabulous Friday: Columbus Socialite of the Week

Less than a week a way is the 3rd Annual Condom Couture Fashion Show. Yes, the talented students at Columbus College Art & Design make the most magnificent garments using over 900 condoms. I don’t want to spoil a future blog, but if you haven’t been to a past show, I highly recommend you check it out for yourself! You can purchase tickets for next week by clicking on the link above.

And with that, I bring you today’s Columbus Socialite of the Week.

She is this year’s co-chair of Planned Parenthood’s 2010 Condom Couture Event (she emceed last year and did a fabulous job) and is executive assistant to the RVP at Time Warner Cable, Midwest Region. Not only is she successful in her career, but she is also one of the most philanthropic ladies in this City. So today’s Fabulous Friday, Columbus Socialite of the Week is the wonderful Alison Barret.

Alison has worked the past 16 plus years in supporting roles for organizations that relate to her passion – philanthropy and promoting Columbus. She’s worked for the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, now known as Experience Columbus, and Limited Brands before bringing her talent to Time Warner Cable.

She has experienced so much of what this City has to offer socially, as well as seeing how passionate and willing people are to volunteer and give back to the city and community.

GETTING TO KNOW…ALISON BARRET

Miss C.S. - By far Favorite thing to do in Columbus:
AB: Spending Sundays tooling around German Village & Schiller Park.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Restaurant in the City:
AB: Basi Italia. Love the patio. Love the food. Adore the wait staff. And I love that I can go solo with a book and eat & drink wine at the bar and that is just fine.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Hidden Gem:
AB: The Topiary Park. And my neighborhood, Kenmore Park.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Word:
AB: Squat. Sounds just like the action. Oh, seriously? Then, my favorite word is Family.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Shop/Store:
AB: Emperor’s Newest Clothes. It aids my ring addiction. Or the Book Loft. It aids my fantasy that I’ll be a reader some day.

Miss C.S. - Best Party/Scene in the City:
AB: I’m a bit old for any “party scenes” but The Wexner Center’s Off The Grid party is at the TOP of my party list. Fun, funky and hip…and for ALL ages.

Miss C.S. - Best Band in Town:
AB: I’m a long-time Hoo Doo Soul Band fan and more recently a follower of Nick Tolford & Company. And the Randys.

Miss C.S. - Favorite Columbus team to root for:
AB: I have to say Buckeye Football…or else my four brothers and best friend Paul will cut off my legs. I need my legs.

Miss C.S. - Best Quality of a Person:
AB: Honesty. Be forthright. It saves all of us a lot of time and energy. I’m being honest here, of course.

Miss C.S. - Charity of Choice:
AB: The YWCA. They are doing great work every day for women in all stages of their life.

Miss C.S. - Finish the sentence, if I could do anything in the World, I would:
AB: Travel the country and write stories/film a series a la Charles Kuralt – except, of course, without the mistress.

Miss C.S. - Craziest thing you’ve bought:
AB: Two large disco balls. Not great adult décor, but I love them. At certain times of the day, there are sparkles all over the walls of my house and I can’t help but smile.

Miss C.S. - In ONE word, a Columbus Socialite is:
AB: Ageless

Alison is one of the kindest, sweetest and funniest people I know. I am so fortunate to have been able to meet her and get to know her. She is an inspiration to everyone in this City and provides her time and work to so many nonprofits.

She currently serves on the board for the YWCA Columbus and is Deacon moderator and Care Council Chair at her church, Broad Street Presbyterian. She has also been on an ample amount of event committees, has founded a special fund at the YWCA for its female residents and is the creator of the YWCA’s “New to You Accessory Event”.

So for those that don’t know Alison (which is probably no one, because EVERYONE knows Alison) I recommend you come to Condom Couture 2010 next Thursday, October 7th at BOMA and meet her, support a good cause and see over 900 condoms per model walking down the runway.

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.